Live at Montreux (1991-1992)

Description

Renowned for his keen instincts and expert ears, Claude Nobs, founder of the Montreux festival, was not mistaken in inviting Tori Amos and her piano in the early 90s, just before and just after the release of Little Earthquakes, the first installment of an impressive discography. It was with this simple setup, her voice soaring into the stars and her fingers galloping over the ivory and ebony, that this North Carolina native (raised in Maryland) was already showcasing her strong personality as a singer-songwriter. Between Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, and Ricky Lee Jones, she confirmed all the hopes placed in her by her label, convinced that the stages of Europe would be beneficial to her career. In the 1991 concert, she mentioned her upcoming debut album six times, revealing a writing and performing talent that has rarely let her down since. In the 1992 concert, she again offered extensive excerpts from Little Earthquakes (acclaimed by critics), but also included a few covers. A contemporary of the grunge movement, she did not hesitate to deliver her own version of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, and as a classic rock fan, she prefaced Thank You with a reinterpretation of Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin. Bold and stunning.